A trip to the lake...

I have always loved the lake.  We are so blessed that our recent move just happened to put us a LOT closer to Old Hickory Lake and we are taking advantage!  We recently loaded up on the sunny day and headed over to the lake for some outdoor fun!

 I have always loved packing a picnic basket!  On this particular day we had grilled burgers on the menu with chips and for dessert... Vanilla Wafers and Nutella!  Yummy!!

We enjoy the convenience of our gas grill at home no less than twice a week in the spring, summer, and fall... but there is NOTHING like cooking on charcoal!  Chris was in charge of the burgers - he loves to grill!  This day he made bacon cheddar burgers that were so very good! 

Nothing says summer is coming like a cooler of cold drinks on ice! 

Although the food was wonderful, the highlight of the day was just getting to spend time outside!  It is so rare that we have an entire day with no plans, no agenda, and no schedule to keep!  We just went outside and enjoyed the day for as long as we wanted!

I am a water bug.  I can't help it.  Anytime I am around water I feel such a sense of peace.  I love the pool, a gentle creek, and big lake, a pond, and most of all, the ocean.  I think I could sit from sun up until sun down in front of this beautiful lake, on the soft green grass and be happy as a clam! 

Most people think we are a family of four, but actually we are a family of five (and sometimes more!)  We don't go ANYWHERE without one of our American Girls!  ;-)  This lovely day it was Bitty that got to come along!

Bitty and Ava Grace both had to wear a hat because it was very windy! 

And, just like water always does, it beckons and whispers to you on the wind until you can no longer resist and you just have to get your toes in!  Of course... once your toes are wet, the rest of your feet need to be wet too!  And then you realize how great it would feel on your ankles... and a little deeper to your knees... you know how it is!  By the time we left Lily was pretty wet from the waste down from kicking and splashing around on the boat ramp!

Check out my husbands nice bass!  haha!  He likes the water too!!  Not for the same reasons Lily and I do - the swimming and splashing - but for fishing instead! 

 Ava Grace enjoyed the whole experience as well!  It was a little cool and a lot breezy, but she didn't seem to mind too much!  She napped and ate and strolled and just took it all in!

 (Lily and Chris watching a boat about to load.  Lily had waited most of the afternoon to see one get put in!)

 Ava Grace practiced her newest trick... holding her Paci!  It's fun and cute until she's sleep and keeps pulling it out of her mouth!  lol

 Chris and Lily finished up the day by hitting some golf balls into the water - so fun!

It was a great day at the lake!  We can't wait to go back again!!